Photo by Jenny Kirk Emily Hoppe and her son, Elliot, were among more than 100 people who braved the snowy weather and came out to support the Early Childhood program at Marshall Public Schools by playing Turkey Bingo on Friday in the Marshall Middle School cafeteria.

MARSHALL — There were a lot of winners at the first-ever Turkey Bingo on Friday evening, but the biggest winner was the Marshall Public School Early Childhood program — and ultimately, the teachers and students who are part of that program.

Proceeds of the family-friendly event held in the cafeteria at Marshall Middle School will go back into the classrooms for special projects.

“We have many times where teachers are paying for things out of their pockets,” MPS Early Childhood Director Tiffany Teske said. “On average, teachers usually give out $500 out of pocket (annually) to make special things happen in their classrooms, such as holidays or if they want to do creative cooking or any science things that are just above and beyond. So this is an opportunity for them to have an extra budget to supply those special activities.”

Despite the snowy weather, more than a hundred people were in attendance at Turkey Bingo, where individuals could pay $5 to play the game until the prizes ran out. Families had a $15 cap.

“It’s an amazing turnout,” Teske said. “I was nervous about the weather, but we’ve had a stellar crowd so far.”

Eight-year-old Anthony Enga recorded the first Bingo of the night and chose a “Crocodile Dentist” game as his prize.

Emily Hoppe played Turkey Bingo alongside her son, Elliot. Across the round table was Kathy Nielsen and her two children, Grant and Sarah. On the other side of the cafeteria, Ryan Guse and his 5-year-old son, Elijah, patiently waited for the right five numbers to line up.

“We probably won’t win, but I don’t want to break it to him yet,” Guse said.

Guse said he learned about Turkey Bingo from his son’s school.

“We live in town or otherwise the weather would’ve maybe kept us away,” he said. “I was surprised at how many people were here. But it’s going good and there are a lot of good prizes.”

Area businesses and families generously stepped up to give donations for the fundraiser. Along with the Bingo prizes, there were a dozen baskets — including a movie basket, pampering basket, holiday basket and bath basket — that were part of a special raffle.

People in attendance had the opportunity to purchase a single raffle ticket for $1 or 15 tickets for $10. Each basket had a bucket next to it and individuals could put as many tickets they wanted in the bucket of their choice. The winning ticket was later drawn out.

“The raffle prizes were all donations from Little Cubs Preschool families and Turkey Valley Farms donated 20 turkeys (for Bingo prizes),” Teske said.

“And we had many local businesses give certificates and prizes, so we are so blessed.”

Pizza slices were also available for $2, while water and chips were each $1. Young Nicholas Hayes was among those who enjoyed a slice of cheese pizza.

Mindi Schnaser, a Little Cubs Preschool teacher, called out the numbers for Turkey Bingo. McKenna Brunsvold selected a Barbie when she won and Aubree West decided on a basket of kids activities.

“All of the volunteers (Friday night) are Early Childhood staff,” Teske said. “We had a great group that helped with set-up after school and another group is helping tonight.”